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2000 MSTPA Weekly Fishing Reports
Pre-season Report

Check out the highlights from the last two years!

1998 MSTPA Weekly Fishing Reports
1999 MSTPA Weekly Fishing Reports

Pre-Season Report
June 9, 2000

Hello faithful and first time readers. As of June 10th MSTPA will be in full swing for another successful season. The crew this year consists of Leon and myself; two experienced Alaskan guides, Jody and Jason and Jessica for our chef. The crew has been in Alaska since May 17th doing all the usual spring cleaning and startup projects.

We are happy to announce the purchase of three new guide boats. They are the 17 foot semi-v Carolina skiff equipped with the Honda 4-stroke outboard. They should make an excellent platform to fish from as they are wide and stable with flat casting decks located on both ends of the boat.

This spring is different than any other we have experienced since our startup five years ago. Everything right now is flooded. The Yukon is extremely high which in pumping water in to the Innoko as well as causing the Innoko spring water itself to back up. We are seeing pike scattered through out the system from the air, the problem is that they are back from the river banks up in the flooded willows and alders. With the right conditions of sun and calm days we should do well, providing we can get to the fish up in the trees. Time will tell.

The king salmon have already started to show up in the area rivers. Which for the first time in three years is right on time. Leon and I were up in Unalakleet June 8th to look at the water and talk with Vance Griskowsky. For those new to MSTPA weekly reports Vance is the individual who provides us with the boats and motors for our fly-outs and any other help we may need to make our fly-out trip the success they have been.

Till our next report, keep your rod tip up and the line tight.

Dean "Boone" Nelsen

p.s. Check out some of our recent photos of the Midnight Sun!

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Week 1
June 10 - 18

Welcome everyone to a new season of weekly fishing reports from MSTPA. The outlook for the 2000 season is extremely exciting although the reasons for that exciting outlook made the first week of fishing very difficult.

MSTPA had the pleasure of fishing with the Mr. Hahn party of six from the state of Illinois. We could not have asked for a better group of people to put up with the flood stage high water and the scattered fish that proved very difficult to find let alone catch in the miles of flooded willows and alders. It gets down right depressing with you pull into a little 30 acre lake that is now 3000 acres of flooded willows and grass. Where do you start? Fortunately for all, we had a week of great weather, which made the tough fishing almost bearable.

In summary for the week. The lower Innoko River is at an all time high, primarily due to the combination of Yukon River spring run off but also the timing of warm temperatures in the Innoko hills which accelerated the snow melt runoff on the Innoko river. Bottom line, all that water has no where to go but up in the trees. We did not keep exact records for the first week of fishing like we usually do, due to the fact that there were just not many fish caught. Maybe 30 plus northern pike were caught for the week with the largest around 40 inches. I believe there were 8 sheefish caught. We put our time in for the first King salmon of the year on the Unalakleet river which we caught on the last day; a little jack King of maybe 5 pounds. But hay, a King, is a King, is a King! And lets not for get the first Pink salmon of the year caught by Allen. The bonus for everyone on the Unalakleet flyout is that the Grayling fishing was very good. We would spend the last part of each day fishing grayling after putting our time in on the Kings, there was fun had by all.

What in store for next week? I am going to step out on a limb and say "excellent fishing". We have moved the Houseboat to its "up river" location on the Innoko, about 150 miles from where we spent the first week, in an attempt to get out of the high water on the lower river. In our survey flight over the area before the move, the water conditions looked perfect and more importantly we rolled fish at every location. Which means the fish are where they are supposed to be and with any "Luck" at all, we should enjoy a week of catching them.

Till next week,

Boone

Week 2
June 20-25

For those of you wondering if MSTPA fell off of the face of the earth due to the lack of timely fishing reports; just about. We are located on the upper Innoko river now within the Innoko National Wildlife refuge as indicated in the last report. The water levels are high but the river is still well within its banks and the fishing has proven better as a result.

MSTPA was happy to have first time guests, the Brittian group of 6 from Illinois. This group came up with some nice pike for the week with two fish over 45 inches a couple of beautiful pike at 44 inches and 43 inches each. With a total of seventeen fish over forty inches during the week. Much better fishing than the first week of the season. We also had the first groups of sheefish show up for the year. We caught some the first week but saw more numbers added on to the totals this week. The sheefish seem to be staging now in groups instead of being scattered waiting for the salmon smolt migration when the water starts to drop. Most of the sheefish that caught were caught suspended over deep water by trolling deep running plugs at 15 to 20 feet along the current seams.

As for the salmon fishing. We still have not seen any numbers of Kings on the Unalakleet. The scattered fish are far and few between but catchable. The weather has been absolutely wonderful on the Unalakleet River making the few kings we have been able to catch fish each day and added bonus.

What happens next week, I already know. That is the one bonus in being so far behind on the weekly reports. Lets just say the fishing not only gets better but the fish get bigger.

Till then,

Dean "Boone" Nelsen

Week 3
June 25-30

Hello everyone,

This week saw new guests; the Dave Hill party of four and the Ed Mclarty party of two catch the fish that we like to see caught here on the Innoko River with 41 northern pike being caught over the magic number of 40 inches.

Matt Hill earned top honors for the week and perhaps the year with a monster pike of 52 inches. It was highly recommended that Matt quite fishing for the rest of the week even his life as it just doesn't get much better. Matt, not being one to quit on a high note spent the rest of the week catching only small pike in the "forty" inch range.

Honorable mention also has to go to Lewis McLarty. Lewis is one of those people in the world I just love to have fish with us. Lewis had the big King salmon for the week, a beautiful, chrome, 25 pound female King from the Unalakleet River. What makes that King salmon special is that Lewis did two fly outs to catch it which may not seem like much till you realize that Lewis is at the age were most of his peers are either in nursing homes or under ground but he just keeps on keeping on. Nice King, Lewis.

Overall a good week of fishing. For the Pike we saw fish from virtually every size class make it into the boat. There were some 48's, 46's, 45's, 44's and on down. The sheefish were also on a roll with the question changing from not "do you think we'll catch one" but to "how may do you think we just caught." Bottom line, the sheefish are on an eating binge which includes lures and spinners.

The King fishing is still spotty. One day good the next not so good. We have again enjoyed a wonderful week of weather which more than make up for spotty fishing with the Kings. We have also enjoy the other fine fish the Unalakleet has to offer. Catching Chum and Pink salmon, Grayling and Dolly Varden makes the time pass quickly and enjoyably.

The question is being asked among the experts in the Alaska Fish and Game and the Federal Fish and Wildlife, "Where are the Kings?" The entire side of western Alaska from the Kuskokwim Drainage north alone the West coast past the Yukon and Unalakleet drainage's to Nome, is looking like an entire failure. Are the kings late or are there no Kings to come at all? Only time will tell, but right now it is not looking good.

Till next week.

Dean "Boone" Nelsen

Week 4
June 25 - July 5

Back again,

The first week of July proved to be a week of pretty good fishing despite the handicap of returning guests Mr. Peterson and Mr. Beasel along with Mr. Beasel's son, David and a mutual friend of the group, Mr. Carter. Just kidding about the handicap. Maybe! Plus, when you take into account that two if not three of the group members flew out every day for King salmon, the 20 northern pike over forty inches for the week, looks down right impressive.

Mr. Beasel takes top honors for the week with an impressive 47 inch fish. David caught some nice pike for the week in the mid forty inch range but let the "inexperienced, girl, cook" out fish him on the last day, when Jessie boated a beautiful 45 inch fish on her first cast of the day. Mr. Peterson and Carter both boated nice pike in the mid forties also.

The Sheefish have continued their eating frenzy for another week. Which has made catching them a lot of fun for everyone. Any time you can lose count of what you have caught in the first half hour of the day makes for a special day.

As for the Kings? Well, we are catching some fish and having a lot of fun with the few fish that are around. The fishing has been very visual on the Unalakleet River because of the very low water. I love watching people see a big king, make the perfect cast and land the fish. The debate still rages thought. Where are the Kings? None of the experts have a clue.

Thanks for a great week fellows. We thoroughly enjoyed your companionship and are already looking forward to next year.

Till next week,

Boone

Week 5
July 5 - 10

This past week saw the "Midnight Sun" houseboat back up to full capacity of six guests. We again had the pleasure of returning guests Mike, Bill, Joe and Ben and new guests Erwin and Jerry.

The week put 64 northern pike over forty inches in the boat between everyone. That is a lot of big pike. Again we saw the entire size spectrum, with Jerry boating the largest pike at 48.5. The two other fish over 48 inched kept the race close but no one could stretch the tape that last quarter inch to beat him. Enough cannot be said about the number of big pike that were caught this past week, except in this case the "good guys won."

Erwin's main goal for the week was to catch a Sheefish. The goal was attained many times over as the sheefish continued there heavy feed on the salmon and pike fry populations making a great week once again for everyone involved.

They have shut the sport-fishing down for King Salmon within the Kuskokwim River Drainage. Boy do I feel sorry for the salmon lodges in the area! We can still catch Kings "incidental" to the other salmon and still legally fish the Unalakleet River for them. But, boy the state of Alaska Fish and Game and the Federal Fish and Wildlife boys really blew the fish management on this one. It is still legal to Subsistence Net Kings on the Kuskokwim, which means "joe blow netter" can still legally catch hundreds of Kings to feed his sled dog team that he uses only once a year but a "sport fisherman" cannot even practice catch and release. Makes a lot of sense to me. Here is how it lays out for those of you not up to speed with Alaska insane fish management policy.

The salmon users groups are split into three categories, subsistence, commercial and sport fish. Subsistence use by residence's is number one priority, followed by commercial harvest, with sport-fishing last on the list of priority. And since the state had yet to allow a commercial opener due to the low run this allowed the commercial user group to cry foul ball about the sport fishing taking place and there you have it, no King fishing. Once again our political system for all it greatness is largely flawed showing that big money will always win out over fish management and common sense. I wonder is the salmon lodges will qualify for Federal Disaster Aid like the Commercial Fisherman due? The political fall out should be real interesting on this one for the next year.

Till next week, Keep your rod tips up, lines tight and your drags lose.

Boone

Week 6
July 10-15

Here we are mid way through our summer with another week of some really big pike. MSTPA had the pleasure of six Minnesota boys; Dave, Jim, Todd, Brian, Jerry and Mark. An excellent group to fish with, but then, they have to be, being from Minnesota where I was born and raised.

This past week saw an increase in the numbers of pike caught with each boat landing over two hundred pike for the week. The week again saw some really nice fish with 40 of those pike being 40 inches or over. Todd takes the honors for the big fish of the week with a beautiful 48 monster. Jerry and Mark weren't far behind with the 47 inch fish respectively. Bottom line, any time six guys can boat 40 pike over 40 inches in five days of fishing with two of the fisherman out on a salmon fly-out for the three of the five days, the fishing is pretty good.

The Sheefish this past week were not a priorty for any one and as a result were simply caught incidental to the pike. The report from the guides is that the Sheefish were still feeding heavily and probably would have been a lot of fun to catch.

As for the salmon fly-outs? The Kings are for the most part done with their run for this year. We will maybe see a couple accidental catches in the future but that will be it. We spent the week enjoying the Chum, Pink, Dolly and Grayling fishing on the Unalakleet River. Everyone did the fly out with light tackle to enjoy the smaller fish and the beautiful scenery.

The weather as finally shown its bad side. We spent the last part of the week in wind and rain. The weather service is forcasting the low two push through in a couple of days, we'll see.

Any way, Given time, I hope to scan in pictures of Matt Hill's 52 inch pike for next week along with some salmon and sheefish stuff. They are great pictures. Thank you for sending them Dave.

Till next week,

Boone

Week 7
July 15 to 20

Hello everyone, Once again MSTPA and its guests enjoyed a week of really good fishing. MSTPA was lucky to have returning guests Paul and Jan with their friends and new guests Denny and Susie along with returning guests Jerry and Richard to enjoy the good fishing with.

The pike continue to remain active on the upper river. Out of the fifty-three (53) pike caught over 40 inches this past week Jerry and Dick captured the top honors with each boating monster pike in the 48 inch range. Paul, Jerry and Dick all boated beautiful pike in the 47 inch range. The other 48 pike over 40 inches were equally distributed between all the fisher men and women on the boat for the week.

The pike seem to be concentrating with the falling water levels, with their activity levels increasing as the days go by. Pike were caught on a variety of lures this past week with gold spoons being the best producer overall. But big fish were also caught on inline Mapp's spinners, top-waters and plastics. Bottom line, fun was had by all.

Paul boat the only Sheefish for the week, an extremely large 18 to 20 pound fish that was caught while fishing pike. No one else spent any time for the sheefish, but they are still there, feeding away in the current seams.

We also did to fly outs for salmon this past week. We spend three hours on two different days fishing for salmon on the Kuskokwim. Both Paul and Denny were each able to boat one of the Kuskokwim's rare King Salmon. The kings were nice to see as both were in the 25 to 28 pound range and fun to catch.

This past week was the first full week of tough fishing weather with three of the four days consisting of wind and rain. But the cooler weather has probably been what has help the pike fishing as the rain has cooled the water temperature more to the big pikes liking.

Till next week,

Boone

Week 8
July 20 to 25

Another great week of fishing and fun was had by everyone on board the "Midnight Sun". This week MSTPA had the pleasure of six new guests; Rex, Russ, Jim, Al, David and Bill to fish with in search of the almighty Northern Pike. The group not only succeeded in finding the fish but actually caught a few. Between the six of them, forty fish even forty inches and over were caught and released this week. An extremely good catch considering there were several members of the who had never even fished before.

The biggest fish for the week was a 47 inch fish by Leon. We all know the guide is not supposed to catch the big one for the week but accidents do happen. Other wise Jim was the hot hand with two pike at 46 inches, one at 45 inches, two at 44 inches and on down from there. Rex and Bill each had fish in the 44 plus inch range. Russ, Al and David filled in the forty inch numbers boating the balance of the fish in the forty inch range.

As for the Sheefish, there were a couple boated again by accident, but we did not fish for them specifically this past week. Maybe next week a guest will spend some time fishing for them and give us a true assessment of there numbers and catchability.

We spent three days on fly outs with poor to excellent results depending upon the day and river. The Aniak river was tough fishing as the water was coming up due to recent heavy rains. As with any river, rising water makes for tough fishing. On the Unalakleet we were fishing water that was dropping from its recent highs due to the rain and the fishing was much better. Russ gets top honors for catching the first Silver salmon of 2000 a beautiful Hen silver. Congratulations, Russ! In addition to the seeing the first silvers, we got into push of fresh chums, the last of the pinks and a mixed bag of Dolly Varden and Grayling. Once again the Unalakleet saves the day a produces some beautiful fish.

Stay tuned for next weeks update. We are still on the upper river as the lower river has again received a push of mudded water from the Yukon River. We sure hope it clears soon. There are a lot of big fish to catch there.

Boone

Week 9
July 25 to 30

This week we witness Alaska's version of winter in July with six inches of snow covering the hills around Unalakleet, temperatures in the forties for the highs with 20 knots winds to make sure we knew it was cold. The group of six; Rich, Mary, Debbie, Jean, Chris and Mike wanted cooler weather having just endured the heat wave throughout the South and west of the lower 48 and they got it.

The group of six despite the cold, almost unbearable weather conditions turned up the heat on the pike. What would normally have been a week of tough fishing turned out to be a week of big fish with 46 pike over 40 inches making it into the boat. Leon again boated the biggest fish of the week with a monster 49 inch pike, but it was only to show the ladies how it was done. After the demo, Debbie and Jean boated two big pike, one at 48 inches and one at 47 inches, respectively. Mike and Chris spent the week trying to out fish the girls, coming close, but no cigar, thought each boated big pike in the 46 inch size bracket. Rich and Mary help fill in the other 42 big pike in the 40 to 45 inch range.

The group even caught some sheefish during the week with Jean and Debbie catching 10 sheefish on the last day without even trying. It was nice to see a bunch of sheefish making it to the boat as we have not had anyone interested in the last couple of weeks to put any pressure on them.

The Kings may be over but he Silvers, Chums, Pinks, Dollies and Grayling are just heating up. Due to the cooler water temperatures on the Unalakleet from the recent rains the salmon have really turned on. The Chums which two weeks ago would not even look at a lure now are making it a point to crush any spoon or spinner that comes by. The Silvers, which are entering the river in force, are also aggressively hitting any lure that comes even close to thei face. Mixed in with the Chums and Silvers are of course the Pinks, Dollies and Grayling which add a nice variety to the fly out day.

We keep waiting for the fifty plus inch monsters to make the mistake and bite. We have had one monster this year at 52 inches make it to the boat. And at least one each week that is hooked but somehow lost due to a variety of reasons. Perhaps next week will be the week.

Be sure to check out some recent fish photos below!

Till then,

Boone
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Week 10
July 30 - August 4

The week of wind and rain: Hello everyone. The August rainy season has arrived in Alaska with full force along with new guests Fred, Al, Terry and Paul. We were fortunate to have the first three days of there trip with at least fishable weather as it deteriorated to unfishable weather. During the first three days of fishing the four boys were able to put 18 fish over 40 inches in the boat with Terry catching the two largest, both over 47 inches before deteriorating weather conditions shut the fish off completely. The rest of the 40 inch plus pike were between 40 inches and Paul's 45-inch beauty.

We were also able to make it to the Unalakleet River on our fly outs for two fabulous day of silver salmon fishing. The last two days of their trip consisted of sustained 40-knot winds with gusts up to 60 knots and rain. I have to give everyone credit, despite the weather they still spend the days fishing and putting in their time.

I am supposed to say a "Thank you" from the crew to the group for a very enjoyable week despite the weather. The question being asked now; What will the weather due for next week? We have a week of fly fisherman coming up which as our faithful readers know usually means big pike and lots of them despite the weather. Time will tell.

Till next weeks report, stay dry and stay warm.

Boone

Week 11
August 4 - 9

Once again flies for pike rule! Eighty-eight (88) pike over forty inches for the week. That's right 88 pike over forty inches despite the weather. This week we had returning guests Big Ray, Barry, Doug, Little Ray, and new guests Andrew, Joe and Mike.

Big Ray has now become the 36 member of Midnight Sun Trophy Pike Adventure's 50 inch club with a beautiful hog pike just over the fifty-inch mark. Congratulation Big Ray. I have included a picture of Big Ray's fish in this report. There were 10 other fish over 47 inches for the week; two at 49, three at 48 and the rest of the 10 at 47. The other 76 pike of 40 plus inches filled in the range between 40 and 47 inches.

I am continually amazed at the effectiveness of a fly presentation on pike, especially the true monsters. The pike fly is not a large lure, nor is it "Loud," nor fast. I think it effectiveness is due to the slow speed at which it is typically retrieve. To put it in human perspective the older people get the more they enjoy a quite sit down meal without leaving the house. Big old pike are the same way. It is one thing to chase a spoon now and again if the mood fits, quite another to simply slurp up a slow moving bunny fly as it pulsates by.

As for the Silvers Salmon. Lets just say the boys didn't cut the silvers any slack with the fly rods either. Silvers, Chums, Dollies and Grayling all fell victim to the fly.

We are now down on the lower Innoko River where we will spend the rest of the season. We spent check-in day traveling the Houseboat down to the lower section and happy that we did as the above report demonstrates that there were some fish to be caught on the lower river. The beauty of the houseboat has once again proven itself with MSTPA mobility in keeping up with the fish to provide the best fishing possible for it clientele.

Till next week,

Boone

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Week 12
August 9 - 14

Hello everyone, I am back again with another week's report of bad weather and BIG FISH. Before I start the report, I have to preface it with a story. On the day the Bark party arrive I was quickly informed that the largest fish caught within the group for their many years spent in Canada was a 45-inch pike. As the report below will tell, that 45 incher soon became a baby compared to the fish the group boated during their week with MSTPA.

The Bark party of six: Charlie, Ted, Gary, Wally, George, Dale and Berry, who was a hold over from the previous week, once again put the hurt on the 40 plus inch Innoko Pike by boating 59 fish over 40 inches for the week. Gary climbed to the top of the pile on the last day against stiff competition by boating a monstrous 51 inch pike. George put his best foot forward and boated a 50 inch big mama pike on the last day also. Two very big fish. Congratulations fellas on your pike of a life time.

The week put Berry on top with the numbers boating 5 over 47 inches, the largest 48 1/2. Ted and Dale each boated pike in the 45 inch plus range for their largest. Wally and Charlie ended the week with no monsters but helped fill in the numbers of pike between 40 and 45 inches. Jody, one of our guides, with permission to fish from Gary boated two beautiful fish, one at 48 1/2 and the other a monster 49 1/2. Well, done every one. Big fish is what fisherman come to MSTPA for and big fish are being caught.

I always love to see the true 50 plus inchers make it to the boat. They are such a rare and special fish that for a fisherman to have the multitude of variables work in their favor for once and land the monster pike of a lifetime. That's cool.

As for the salmon. We spent the week on the Aniak River with excellent results. We were able to boat 50 plus silver salmon per day. Not much else to say but "fishing like that just can't be beat."

As for the weather. Well, it is the rainy, windy, scuzzy, cold season in western Alaska. The low-pressure systems continue to come right over our heads with no reprieve in sight. The only bonus, despite the tough weather, the clients of MSTPA are putting some really big fish in the boat.

Till next week,

Boone

Week 13

August 9 - 14

It was investor week last week. One of our two financial backers, Mr. Wayne Belisles and three of his friends, Bill, Craig and Tom spent the week with us. Once again we took it on the chin with the August Alaskan weather. The weather was not really a hindrance to this group as there was always a good stiff drink and a warm deck of cards back at the boat when ever it started to rain.

There were 26 fish caught over 40 inches this past week between the four of them, Wayne took the largest fish with a well built 48 inch tank. Tom boated a close second with a excellent 47-inch pike. Bill followed right behind with a 46-inch pike while Craig was contents to settle for quantity rather than quality filling in his week with pike in the lower 40-inch range.

We made it for two days of silver fishing on the Aniak again with excellent results. It spoils on quickly to boat 40 to 50 five to ten pound silvers salmon per day. Fun was had by all.

What will happen next week? Only time will tell. We have a full boat again. With a mixed group of fly and spin fisherman. What will be the hot method for the week?

Till we know the answers,

Boone

Week 14

August 19 - 24

A frustrating week of rising water on the Innoko River, that is the report!

Actually, it is not all a dismal report. We had a wonderful group of six clients; Jack and Bess, Don and David, Ed and Larry all new blood on the boat and a lot of fun. We had a week of wonderful weather for the third week of August. And despite rising water the group of six put 25 fish over the magical 40 inch mark in the boat. Isn't it amazing how we are spoiled to the point of being disappointed with 25 forty plus inch pike caught and released for the week with the largest pike at 47 fat inches. I believe the disappointment comes from the thought of what the fishing could have been had the water conditions remained stable or had continued to drop. All the factors were leading to a grand final two weeks of fishing for the season. As it stands now, the future is unpredictable. But then fishing usually is.

As I mentions above, the large fish of the week was boat by Bess. In fact, everyone spent the week trying to catch Bess who was catching all the fish. The situation was similar to the Tiger Woods scenario in golf. All other fisherman were fishing for the second biggest fish of the week which went to Larry with a beautiful 45 inch fish. Ed and Don both boat 44 inch fish for their largest. Dave ended the week at 43 inches, my records show. As for Jack, Jack spent the week fishing with Bess and I think realized he was up against superior skills and just sat back and watched the pro. As a side note to the readers, Bess is 75 years old and Jack 77 years. I can only hope I am still around at their age.

The Unalakleet River was clearing with the descending water from the recent flooding. The first two days were great with a lot of bright clean chrome silvers falling prey to artificial and making it into the boat. The third trip was tough due to the conditions. Don and David were fly fisherman but the fish were just not set up for the fly. They had moved into the main river deep current seams with the falling water making the fly presentation difficult at best. David managed to hook four and land one on a fly before switching to spinners for the last hour of the day. Don managed to hook himself, David and one silver before conceding defeat and also switching to spinners. Don and David were able to end the day in a blaze of Silver on the spinners.

I would like to thank all our guests for a great week, perhaps with a little luck I'll be able to fish with everyone again in the future.

Till next weeks report,

Boone

Week 16
August 29 - September 3

This was it folks, the final finally. But before I go into much detail I have to apologize for not writing sooner. In our haste to winterize the boat and close up for the season the last weeks catch and release forms were inadvertently sent to Texas before I could fill out this report. Then, the fact that Leon spent the last month up here in Alaska hunting before his return to Texas delayed the return of the forms till now. So, without further excuses, here it is.

We had the pleasure of ending the year with the Wales Wilcox party of six from Missouri; Wales, John, Grant, Chris, Jim, and Woody. The Wilcox party did quite well for the week despite the conditions boating 17 pike over forty inches. When I say despite the conditions, here is what we were dealing with. For some reason, perhaps due to the high water or windy weather during the final week, the northern pike on the lower river just shut off. Because of the slow fishing near the boat we spent the week flying each day to the middle section of the Innoko River to keep the Wilcox party on good fishing.

Chris was the man to beat. It was one of those weeks for Chris where it didn't matter what lure he used, where it threw it or how it was retrieved he was the "Man." Chris boated a 481/2, a 48 and a 47 for his big fish of the week. The 48 inch fish was on the last day just before the Airplane was due for their pickup. Congratulations Chris on some really nice northern pike. Lest I forget the rest of the group. Wales and Grant each boated fish in the 46 inch range. John kept the 45 inch range well represented. As for Woody and Jim, they kept provide a solid base for everyone by catching the 40 to 44 inch fish.

The Silver Salmon fishing also proved to be very good during our last week. We spent the week flying over to the Kuskokwim River and fishing the clear water tributaries that feed into in. The Silver typically this time of year stack up in the mouths of each of those tributaries providing excellent fishing. This year was no exception. Chris was again the hot hand, demoralizing for some to watch while a pleasure for others. I always love to watch someone with the hot hand, Chris was like the Michael Jordan of Silver Fishing during his week here.

September is also the start of duck and goose season here in Alaska. Wales, Chris and John spent the first two mornings of our Alaskan September hunting waterfowl. September first dawned over cast and extremely windy. We were able to take 21 ducks and 5 geese on day one consisting of Widgeon, Mallards, Pintails, Teal and Spekelbellies. Day two was almost identical with 19 ducks and 7 geese consisting of the same variety of birds. A lot of fun had by all.

And so there you have it, the end of another year of excellent fishing on the Innoko. I do not have the yearly catch totals in front of me as they were also sent to Texas with Leon, But, if I remember accurately, MSTPA's guests averaged right at eight pike per fisherman over forty inches this summer. That is a lot of big Northerns. We are in the process of reprinting all of our brochures and guest information packages along with the yearly newsletter. Upon there receipt from the print shop we will be mailing everyone new copies of our information. Please be patient, we are looking for a shipping date around the 1st of November.

Leon and I would like to say "Thank you" to all of our guests from this year. Without each of you, there would not be a "Midnight Sun Trophy Pike Adventures."

Till next year,

Boone

MIDNIGHT SUN
TROPHY PIKE ADVENTURES